How To Solve The Crowded GOP Debate Stage Problem

At last count everyone who has ever held office as a Republican is running for President. This creates a problem for the RNC, which had hoped to stage manage a nice clean set of debates followed by a quick primary season.

Best laid plans and all of that.

So now everyone is worried about how you fit 12-15 (or more) candidates on a stage and give them enough time to make it worth while. I mean, what can you glean from a candidate who has maybe 3 minutes total over the course of a two hour debate to trade barbs with other candidates and the moderators?

There are lots of solutions being proposed from limiting the field (which is tough since polling is so close and even candidates with almost no support are relatively accomplished figures with some following/notoriety) to ditching the moderators and letting the scrum sort itself out to just rolling with big fields.

Here's my idea: Kill the debates.

These are not debates in any sense of the word. Even in the no-moderator format it's just going to be a bunch of people trying to one up each other with quips that will make the cable news shows and if they are lucky get played on Rush Limbaugh.

So what to do? Candidate forums. Just bring out each candidate and let them respond to two or three questions from a panel of conservative journalists and/or policy experts. Jim DeMint hosted one of these on Labor Day 2011 to great effect. There's no reason it can't be replicated.

You'd still have time constraints but I'd rather have someone like Rand Paul, Rick Perry or Scott Walker, spend 3-5 minutes straight answering a handful of questions with the spotlight on them than the Gong Show type spectacles we've seen the last few go rounds.

Since the candidates wouldn't be responding to each other, you could then break the field up and hold the events over two nights. It wouldn't matter who got to go night one or night two since there wouldn't be any group dynamic to even out. Do a couple of rounds of these and you'll really see the candidates in action. You can go back to the tradition nonsense or the moderatorless format once the field starts to thin out.

If cable networks didn't want to devote this much time, ditch them. There are plenty of ways to reach even the non-base voters that don't involve CNN. But I think they'd be open to it because it's not like they are going to have any Democratic debates to show. There's no way Hillary agrees to the same number as we saw in 2008 or even as many as the GOP has already agreed to.

Either treat these events as a real opportunity to see how the people who want to be President respond to questions conservatives care about or ditch them entirely. Just please spare us the clown shows.

Posted by: DrewM. at 11:49 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Public service message: This ain't Ace either.

Posted by: maddogg at May 19, 2015 11:52 AM (xWW96)

2 I just want to know where all the GOP candidates stand on the vital question of Griswold v. Connecticut.

Posted by: Furious George at May 19, 2015 11:52 AM (UlJ3l)

3 Sounds good to me. Of course, I'll be happy if they just refuse to have a liberal moderate the debates.

Which means i'm destined to be sad.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 11:52 AM (MYCIw)

4 I'm looking for that bold candidate who takes that first step of not debating. Just skip the debates. I thought Perry should have done that last time. Of course he can't do it this time.

Posted by: SH at May 19, 2015 11:52 AM (gmeXX)

5
Great idea, Drew. Which is exactly why Rancid Pubis and the rest of the Potemkin Party will collude with the MFM and Democrats (but I repeat myself) to sabotage all of them.

Except Bush, Krispy Kreosote and Goober. Oh yes, her too.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 19, 2015 11:52 AM (St6BJ)

6 I like this idea. Especially because the debate format puts every candidate in the position of knocking every other candidate in order to differentiate, to the delight of the MSM and DNC oppo research dept.

Posted by: dirty comma at May 19, 2015 11:53 AM (H4y6S)

7 2 I just want to know where all the GOP candidates stand on the vital question of Griswold v. Connecticut.
Posted by: Furious George at May 19, 2015 11:52 AM (UlJ3l)

What about Griswold v. Wally World?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at May 19, 2015 11:53 AM (St6BJ)

8 But then we'd miss out on novelty candidates auditioning for book deals and cable news gigs.

Posted by: brak at May 19, 2015 11:53 AM (Tj+s6)

9 I just want to know where all the GOP candidates stand on the vital question of Griswold v. Connecticut.

------

Actually I wouldn't mind hearing Ted Cruz comment on it.

Posted by: SH at May 19, 2015 11:54 AM (gmeXX)

10 Not sure I like the idea. Smacks of a time trial as opposed to a race. I want to see who has blood in their eye, and it is good practice for slicing and dicing roast beast.

Posted by: maddogg at May 19, 2015 11:55 AM (xWW96)

11 Hillary, who has had three positions (so far) on same-sex marriage (so called), now is said to be relying on her "gut." She should rent one, because her own gut has never been very reliable.

Posted by: Don Pardo at May 19, 2015 11:56 AM (KOaTi)

12 Of course, maybe merging the debates with the Miss USA pageant is a fresh take.

Here comes Scott Walker, with Miss Wisconsin and Miss Illinois on each arm...

Oh the bitter, delicious tears that would flow from the SJW set

Posted by: dirty comma at May 19, 2015 11:56 AM (H4y6S)

13 Why don't we do what we usually do, and let the MFM start destroying the ones we like first, so we can get down to the ones we hate and then they can destroy that candidate last.

Posted by: blaster at May 19, 2015 11:56 AM (srUH9)

14 debates are bunk. Pay for the microphone and the microphone is yours. Talk directly to/with the people.

Posted by: Reagan says: at May 19, 2015 11:56 AM (NPgvx)

15 Hillary at an actual debate would be priceless.

Posted by: Garrett at May 19, 2015 11:56 AM (bgxRb)

16 Skype

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 11:56 AM (S+el1)

17 In my dream world, someone asks Hillary how many genders there are.

Posted by: blaster at May 19, 2015 11:57 AM (srUH9)

18 I like this idea a lot.

Posted by: Feh at May 19, 2015 11:58 AM (Tc037)

19 1000% with you. Do not let the turds, pretending they are clean and healthy (neutral) as well as democratic party (marxist) operatives (waste products), get near Republicans -- even though the latter are not so great.

And this includes the last debates -- Repub-Dem-Ind? Only someone both sides can agree on as neutral (not a turd).

Posted by: pyromancer76 at May 19, 2015 11:58 AM (zvcr8)

20 I'd let the candidates challenge each other to debates, one on one. New Hampshire and, maybe, South Carolina are the only states where this will be a problem (Does Iowa do debates? I can't recall any). So its not really a problem.

The networks like to broadcast debates, so they can develop early attack themes against GOP frontrunners. We don't owe the George Stephanopoulos' of this world any help, so screw 'em. I'm say only local stations can broadcast debates, and they cant be rebroadcast on national networks. Wait until later in the campaign cycle before letting whoever wants to be this years Candy Crowley in on the fun.

Posted by: MTF, Train Taker at May 19, 2015 11:58 AM (FCsIb)

21 Goatf*ck

Posted by: wth at May 19, 2015 11:58 AM (wAQA5)

22 Based on my observations of the GOP and their intelligence, I predict: Clown Show.

Posted by: OSUsux at May 19, 2015 11:58 AM (DFXmi)

23 Gladitorial combat.

I want to see Rick Perry disembowel Jeb Bush with a trident while Jonah Goldberg presides over in a toga. Or Vulcan ears.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at May 19, 2015 11:59 AM (MW1Qb)

24 By South Carolina half the field if not more will have withdrawn from the race.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 11:59 AM (S+el1)

25 I think we should have prelims to the debates, like American Ninja Warrior. You have to get through regionals to get to nationals and then the show.

Except we should put a candidate into a Thunderdome with a journalist. The one that leaves goes to the debate.

Posted by: blaster at May 19, 2015 11:59 AM (srUH9)

26 The debates will go on. The RNC needs its Jeb infomercials.

Posted by: Bevel Lemelisk at May 19, 2015 12:00 PM (tRVhE)

27 It should be a reality show, "who wants to be the GOP nominee". Each week you cut one nominee from the finals until you get to the last four and those four get invited to the debates.

Each week they get judged over a couple different topics, first half of the show they earn immunity from the second half of the show. Second half they are judged and the bottom one is not invited.

Each week the panel could be different - pundits one night, politicians the next, establishment the next, local politicians, then the last 4 ousted are regular voters on the panel.

Then you get to the debates - at that point if anyone can crack 10% in a specific poll, they get invited back into the debates.

That show would build up ownership of the electorate - would increase buy in to the candidate.

Posted by: doug at May 19, 2015 12:00 PM (IYEs/)

28 I would randomly assign the candidates to small groups that would debate among themselves, largely unmoderated. Thus, one debate might have Jindal, Fiorina, Paul, and Santorum on one stage, while another debate would have Cruz, Graham, Carson, and Walker. No "winner" needs to be identified, because as the campaign season progresses, those who don't do well will probably drop out. Those who don't would then progress to the semifinals and finals.

The real key is to minimize the role of the moderator. People don't tune in to hear them pontificate and obstruct. They want them out of the way as much as possible.

Posted by: pep at May 19, 2015 12:00 PM (GMG6W)

29 I'm rooting for brokered convention.

Posted by: SH at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (gmeXX)

30 I like this idea, Drew. The debates are so stupid, candidates rarely even answer the questions. They are hardly debates.

Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (SCvwT)

31 Simple - don't invite the losers and have a four-way debate - then a two-way debate.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (oDCMR)

32
I want to see Rick Perry disembowel Jeb Bush with a trident while Jonah Goldberg presides over in a toga. Or Vulcan ears.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at May 19, 2015 11:59 AM (MW1Qb)

Perry would get confused and stick himself in the foot with the trident.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (S+el1)

33
I would like to know why most of them feels compelled to fk up our chances of getting the donks out of the WH.

Posted by: Bruce J. at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (iQIUe)

34 Nope. They need to do a seeded tournament. Let the GOP seed them. They can use polls, funding or a combination of factors to determine the seeding. So, for instance, you'd have Jeb Bush vs. Ted Cruz in the first round. Cruz destroys Bush in a spectacular fashion and we don't have to bother with Bush in any more debates.

That's why this won't happen.

Posted by: Mr. Naron at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (Q61Af)

35 Sweet 16 bracket system.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (MYCIw)

36 Have them all on stage and then do elimination questions until there are only 5 or 6 left and then have the debate start.

First question at the debate should be: "Everyone that did not donate $225,000 to the CGI and give Hillary an award, please step forward.

Posted by: buzzion at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (zt+N6)

37
Hillary at an actual debate would be priceless.
Posted by: Garrett
..............................
Hillary squawking and Sanders gargling.

Posted by: wth at May 19, 2015 12:02 PM (wAQA5)

38 It's cool, we've hired WWE writers to script the debates.

The important thing is to make Jeb look strong.

Posted by: GOP Big Money Donors at May 19, 2015 12:02 PM (Tj+s6)

39 Cage Match? I'd love to see Ms. Lindsay get body slammed. And Rick Perry could do it without mussing his Jimmie Johnson hair. Good Times.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:02 PM (oDCMR)

40 Not all the candidates in one debate. Two or three one night. Two or three another night. Process of elimination until we get to the Final Four. The news media would have a ball filling out the brackets.

Then Thunder Dome for the last two, just before the convention; debate to the (political) death; canning and chair throwing allowed. Two candidates enter, one candidate goes on to the convention. Pay Per View.

Posted by: Chas Bud Flowers at May 19, 2015 12:02 PM (YI9Ph)

41 Break them into a series of small debates... three candidates plus Megyn Kelly... in a hot tub.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at May 19, 2015 12:03 PM (O7MnT)

42 Two posts from Drew, surprising energy given Henrik's performance last night.

Posted by: Greg61 at May 19, 2015 12:03 PM (H0lcY)

43 "Gong Show type spectacles ..."

Replace J.P. Morgan's boobehs with Scarlett Johanssen and I don't see a problem.

Posted by: Cicero Kaboom! Kid at May 19, 2015 12:04 PM (01ktV)

44 I want Staphyknobulous to moderate and Ted Cruz to address him as Shmoopy.

Posted by: wth at May 19, 2015 12:05 PM (wAQA5)

45 I think costumes would be a great idea. Walker with his throne of skulls. Perry and Cruz in full cowboy get ups.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 12:06 PM (MYCIw)

46 I demand a cage match.

Posted by: The Wrasslin' Hat at May 19, 2015 12:06 PM (7YlUk)

47 I'm sure the highly paid media consultants engaged by the national Republican Party will find a way to negatively portray GOP primary candidates to the greatest number of people possible. Imagine a cross between 'Thunderdome' and 'The Three Stooges'.

Never has a modern political party been so tin-eared in its messaging or so amateurish in its handling of the means and mechanisms of mass communication. I could do better campaign ads at home with an old copy of Windows MovieMaker and a kazoo.

Posted by: troyriser at May 19, 2015 12:07 PM (XHR9b)

48 45
I think costumes would be a great idea. Walker with his throne of skulls. Perry and Cruz in full cowboy get ups.

Jindal as the priest from the Exorcist.

Posted by: pep at May 19, 2015 12:08 PM (GMG6W)

49 So what to do? Candidate forums. Just bring out each candidate and let them respond to two or three questions from a panel of conservative journalists and/or policy experts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPOyOM7wxlE

Posted by: The Political Hat at May 19, 2015 12:08 PM (7YlUk)

50 We need to appeal to millennials and LIV's, so I propose each candidate answer questions with cooing sounds and "there there's"

Posted by: dirty comma at May 19, 2015 12:09 PM (H4y6S)

51 48 45
I think costumes would be a great idea. Walker with his throne of skulls. Perry and Cruz in full cowboy get ups.

Jindal as the priest from the Exorcist.
Posted by: pep at May 19, 2015 12:08 PM (GMG6W)

And Jerry Mathers as The Beaver!

Posted by: Insomniac at May 19, 2015 12:09 PM (2Ojst)

52 Huckabee as Elmer Gantry.

Posted by: pep at May 19, 2015 12:09 PM (GMG6W)

53 Thunderdome!

Posted by: tu3031 at May 19, 2015 12:09 PM (YFFpo)

54 You'd probably have to go back to Lincoln-Douglas to find anything resembling an actual "debate."

Then again, most people today don't have the attention span to watch an actual debate. They want tidy little soundbytes so they can get back to their low-info iLives in a hurry.

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (7ObY1)

55 These things are not debates. They are joint press conferences.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (W5DcG)

56 Running Man!

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (nqiq9)

57
They should do 3 at a time for a half hour Jeopardy Show running approximately 2 weeks, and then the 3 highest scorers compete in the primaries.

All questions must have to do with domestic or foreign policy, political philosophy, history and the like.

They can then follow with a half hour Wheel of Fortune to show their human side and puzzle solving ability.

You think I jest, but this is a much better plan then the current flustercluck.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (ODxAs)

58 Great idea, Drew.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (oKE6c)

59 I think costumes would be a great idea. Walker with his throne of skulls. Perry and Cruz in full cowboy get ups.

Carly Fiorina in a leather S & M outfit.

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (7ObY1)

60 Maybe we measure their cocks and publish the result? Objective and to the point.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:11 PM (oDCMR)

61 I'd like to see a format where candidates are actually penalized for not answering the questions asked. I'm so sick of so-called "debates" which are nothing more than candidates giving memorized mini-speeches on unrelated topics, instead of actually responding to the questions they are asked.

How about we have the candidates sit in a chair, and take questions from the audience at random, and if at any point the candidate starts clicking off a bunch of talking points on an unrelated topic instead of answering the question, the questioner can push a button and have the floor open up under the candidate's chair and "disappear" him or her from the debate.

That's a debate I would want to watch.

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at May 19, 2015 12:11 PM (lmdHn)

62 Carly Fiorina in a leather S & M outfit.
Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (7ObY1)

Eww.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:11 PM (nqiq9)

63 I'll moderate. I'm all about moderation. Moderation - it tastes good. Like a cigar.

Posted by: Bill in Chappaqua at May 19, 2015 12:11 PM (NPgvx)

64 These are not debates in any sense of the word.

That's what I've been saying for the last two election cycles. When you have 8-10 candidates on the stage, there isn't time for much more than slogans and soundbites. The whole thing is a farce.

Posted by: rickl at May 19, 2015 12:11 PM (zoehZ)

65 Then again, most people today don't have the attention span to watch an actual debate. They want tidy little soundbytes so they can get back to their low-info iLives in a hurry.

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (7ObY1)

Spap a message in Lol-speak on the image of a cat.

LIVs will eat it up.

Posted by: I kan haz Hat? at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (7YlUk)

66 60 Maybe we measure their cocks and publish the result? Objective and to the point.
Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:11 PM (oDCMR)

Then Fiorina would win.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (nqiq9)

67 Eww.

Because she cruelly fired people, according to the MFM.

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (7ObY1)

68 The responses will be in the form of Buzzfeed style picture articles.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (MYCIw)

69 Thunderdome!

Fifteen candidates enter! Twelve candidates leave!

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (oVJmc)

70 Carly Fiorina in a leather S & M outfit.
Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (7ObY1)

Eww.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:11 PM (nqiq9)

Ok, Hillary in a leather S & M outfit.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (S+el1)

71 Carly Fiorina in a leather S & M outfit.
Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:10 PM (7ObY1)

Eww.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:11 PM (nqiq9)

I've had worse...

Posted by: Huma at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (7YlUk)

72 How about having Candy Crowley as moderator and then we nominate the first candidate that kills her?

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (oDCMR)

73 Roller Derby elimination contests

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (QyBQv)

74 What about to participate in the debate, you sign some sort of binding agreement where you can't do a book deal or sign a contract with a cable network for 4 years?

I bet that would eliminate 70-80% of them. Most of them are simply trying to be the next Huckabee or Palin where they are political celebrities that can carve out a nice living.

Posted by: McAdams at May 19, 2015 12:13 PM (Yl4rU)

75
Ok, Hillary in a leather S & M outfit.
Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (S+el1

I don't know about you, but I won't be able to eat for the remainder of the week. I just puked my entrails out.

Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at May 19, 2015 12:13 PM (QyBQv)

76 Good idea. Quick, someone call Reince!

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 12:14 PM (VAsIq)

77 15 Hillary at an actual debate would be priceless.

Posted by: Garrett at May 19, 2015 11:56 AM (bgxRb)

Hillary debating Trey Gowdy. (I don't care if he's a candidate or not.)

Oh yeah, this one's gonna last a lot more than four hours.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:14 PM (oKE6c)

78 Weed it down to 4 with a Dodge Ball tournament.

Posted by: Buzzsaw at May 19, 2015 12:15 PM (wrS2o)

79 Hillary at an actual debate would be priceless.

I'd settle for a press conference without planted questions.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:15 PM (S+el1)

80 I really like the Roller Derby model. How in the hell did that sport not become the equal to football is beyond me.

I'd donate a grand to the RNC to watch Lindsay get hip checked into space on the turn.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:15 PM (oDCMR)

81 Weed it down to 4 with a Dodge Ball tournament.

Posted by: Buzzsaw at May 19, 2015 12:15 PM (wrS2o)

Whiskey shots.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (S+el1)

82 All twenty of us don't understand why Mommy won't wake up. The last thing she said was 'Noooo! Not like Mama Cass!'

Posted by: Candy Crowley's Cats at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (NPgvx)

83 This is probably the best solution. But would people watch?

Posted by: spongeworthy at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (2KSJs)

84 How about we get a moderate Muslim as moderator? He should be a natural, right?

Now all we've got to do is find one.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (oKE6c)

85 78 Weed it down to 4 with a Dodge Ball tournament.
Posted by: Buzzsaw at May 19, 2015 12:15 PM (wrS2o)

I want to see a training montage involving wrenches and traffic.

Posted by: Insomniac at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (2Ojst)

86 Let's skip the debates and the election altogether and just declare King Putt Emperor for Life.

It's not as if the end result will be any different.

Posted by: Damiano at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (XItbt)

87 The Republican debates have more contestants on stage than the Miss America pageant.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (oVJmc)

88 79 Hillary at an actual debate would be priceless.

She could just answer every question with:

What difference, at this point, does it make?

And the MFM would rush to squee over her deft skillz.

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (7ObY1)

89 Maybe we measure their cocks and publish the result?

----

*nervous chuckle*
Is it really cold at my podium, or what? Like, I think there's an A/C vent right over and under me.

Posted by: Huckabee at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (VAsIq)

90
Hillary at an actual debate would be priceless.
............................
Can she remain on her feet for that amount of time?

Posted by: wth at May 19, 2015 12:17 PM (wAQA5)

91 89 Maybe we measure their cocks and publish the result?

Unfair to Miss Lindsay.

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:17 PM (7ObY1)

92 How about Bill Murray's card test from Ghostbusters?

http://tinyurl.com/ksqyvme

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (nqiq9)

93
The Republican debates have more contestants on stage than the Miss America pageant.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 19, 2015 12:16 PM (oVJmc)

And there's more whoring going on than backstage at the Miss America pagent.

Plus, the swimsuit portion is scary.

Posted by: Colorado Alex at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (MW1Qb)

94 In the age of the internet, just give everyone the questions, and let them produce their own video response.
No President is going to make a seat-of-the-pants decision....ever. They will have advisers and staff prepairing them. So do the debates that way. If some wants to get long winded (aka Clintion, Bill) then people will tune out, and go to the next guys web site.
That way people can see who they are considering, and weed out their own chaff. I don't give a rats ass what Graham or Bush has to say. So, if the candidate isn't getting the hits, they know they screwed the pooch, and too bad so sad. Everyone will get a better understanding on where the candidates, or their staff stands on the issues they care about.

Screw the League of Women Voters...especially if they are hot.

Posted by: Paladin at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (WujO7)

95 Fit them all with shock collars. Shock them when they spout stupid stuff. Shock Santorum every time he attempts to smile. Shock Huckabee just for shits and giggles.

Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (SCvwT)

96 Hold the first debate in Baltimore and let them have space to destroy. First one that burns down a CVS is the winner. We will win every black vote thereafter.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (oDCMR)

97 I've been thinking the same thing. Hold the first 'debate' over two nights with half the candidates each night. Have them come out on the stage one at a time and ask them the same basic questions, along the lines of "What do you think is the biggest concern for the future?", "How do you plan to revive the economy?", "Assuming Congress cooperates, what would you like to accomplish in your first 100 days in office?", etc. Give them 8-10 minutes each, and let them answer without interrupting. Let the public decide who's saying something of substance and who is blowing smoke.

Posted by: biancaneve at May 19, 2015 12:19 PM (HaVMa)

98 Oh, there will be clown shows...

Posted by: holygoat at May 19, 2015 12:19 PM (t3wLW)

99 tournament play

seed each candidate and do one vs one

double elimination

Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 19, 2015 12:19 PM (0O7c5)

100 Hillary at an actual debate would be priceless.

I'd settle for a press conference without planted questions.
Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:15 PM (S+el1)

Press? Like they'd ask any questions outside of "How do you find the strength to keep sacrificing more for the people and women in particular?" or "Why do Republicans hate women and minorities so much?"

Posted by: Damiano at May 19, 2015 12:19 PM (XItbt)

101 Unfair to Miss Lindsay.
Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:17 PM (7ObY1)

Says you.

Posted by: The Gang at The Tool Shed Bar at May 19, 2015 12:20 PM (vgIRn)

102 Excellent idea!

The best "debate" of 2008 was the Rick Warren interviews, done separately, with McCain and Obama.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:20 PM (V7QeA)

103 Ted Cruz must answer in espanol and only be shown on Univision!

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (fWAjv)

104 Good idea Drew.

I can't shake this sense of doom, to be honest though.

Posted by: dude guy at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (QCc6B)

105 "99
tournament play

seed each candidate and do one vs one

double elimination

Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 19, 2015 12:19 PM (0O7c5)"

Or put them all together into Thunderdome.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (KDbAT)

106
They must actually fight Evander Holyfield for a 3 minute round, if not KO'd they move to the debate.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (ODxAs)

107
Hillary just more or less told Ed Henry to shut up

said she would consider taking questions from the press at some point

and says of Blumenthal that she will continue to "see her old friends"

press availability was over at that point

she thinks she is a Queen

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (zOTsN)

108 The problem also with 18 people at a debate is our candidates are going to start swinging for the fences in order to break away from the pack.

So expect some dumb things to come out of people's mouths and everyone to look absolutely unhinged.

The GOP needs some sort of cut off and the Huckabees and the Donald Trumps can just whine all they want about it. We're not going to screw our chances so a joke candidate can get the attention he thinks he deserves in life.

Posted by: McAdams at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (Yl4rU)

109 Make them all wear Google glasses and iWatches, you know, for the millennial hipster vote.

Posted by: wth at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (wAQA5)

110 Do a whole season of performance and eliminations.

Have the audience vote via 1-800 numbers.

It's what the LiVs are used to.

Posted by: Pappy O'Daniel at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (oVJmc)

111 OT, but I'd be willing to lay odds that there are three or four Dems planning to usurp Hillary's coronation as they keenly watch developments in HillBillGate.

Posted by: Sphynx at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (OZmbA)

112 Saw Carly Fiorina on Fox last night. That old babe is in some fine shape.

Posted by: spongeworthy at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (2KSJs)

113 Just put them on stage and let Scott Walker play with his skulls. Debate over.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (oDCMR)

114 Posted by: Paladin at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (WujO7)

Great idea.

PS: "League of Women Voters" --> "Rosa Kleb Appreciation Society"

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (oKE6c)

115
the video is horrible

she basically told Ed Henry to sit down and shut up

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (zOTsN)

116
95 Fit them all with shock collars. Shock them when they spout stupid stuff. Shock Santorum every time he attempts to smile. Shock Huckabee just for shits and giggles.
Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (SCvwT)

Never turn Jeb's off.

Posted by: buzzion at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (zt+N6)

117 Make them all wear Google glasses and iWatches, you know, for the millennial hipster vote.

Posted by: wth

I'm okay with wearing stupid hipster eyewear!

Posted by: Rick Perry at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (VAsIq)

118 Dueling, there can be only one.

Posted by: Jean at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (ztOda)

119 NINE NINE NINE!!

Posted by: Herman Cain at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (oVJmc)

120 How about a jousting tourney? It would be worth watching just to see some of them try and ride a horse.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:23 PM (S+el1)

121 "but I'd be willing to lay odds that there are three or four Dems planning to usurp Hillary's coronation as they keenly watch developments in HillBillGate."

That's why she preemptively announced that she's choosing a Castro as her VP. She doesn't want another Obama situation.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 12:23 PM (MYCIw)

122 she thinks she is a Queen

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:21 PM (zOTsN)

The very nerve!

Posted by: Lindsey Graham at May 19, 2015 12:23 PM (oKE6c)

123 I believe it was Eisenhower who warned us about the perils of giving in to the Debate Industrial Complex.

We could do all sorts of things that would be better ways to pick candidates, but as long as Big Debate controls the process... well, we're scrood.

Posted by: BurtTC at May 19, 2015 12:23 PM (TOk1P)

124 All the Republican candidates should be imprisoned for raping me at Oberlin.

Posted by: Lena Dunhams Uncircumcised Vulva at May 19, 2015 12:23 PM (d3bx5)

125 she basically told Ed Henry to sit down and shut up
Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:22 PM (zOTsN)

He then kissed the tennis balls on her walker and thanked her.

Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (SCvwT)

126
102 Excellent idea! The best "debate" of 2008 was the Rick Warren interviews, done separately, with McCain and Obama.
Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:20 PM (V7QeA)

And remember, Obama got some of the questions in advance.

Posted by: buzzion at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (zt+N6)

127 107
Hillary just more or less told Ed Henry to shut up

said she would consider taking questions from the press at some point

and says of Blumenthal that she will continue to "see her old friends"

press availability was over at that point

she thinks she is a Queen
-----------------
Well in Dem Land she is a Queen cuz progressive. That she smells of urine and bourbon is just an advantage.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (oDCMR)

128 Since the candidates wouldn't be responding to each other, you could then break the field up and hold the events over two nights. It wouldn't matter who got to go night one or night two since there wouldn't be any group dynamic to even out.

Minor quibble, I disagree with this part. It's pretty well known that stacking order can have an effect on perceived outcome. People who go first and last tend to have the most favorable impact on memory. (You know who the producers want to win American Idol based on this.)

Granted you can sort some of that out by mixing up the order between multiple events. I support this idea.

Posted by: tsrblke, PhD(c) rogue bioethicst at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (s92xH)

129

they should make a national ad

right fucking now

of Hillary telling the press to sit down and shut up

should shame them both

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (zOTsN)

130 95 Fit them all with shock collars. Shock them when they spout stupid
stuff.
Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (SCvwT)

Can we load the grid to that extent?

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (oKE6c)

131 We'll get the clown show.

Because GOPe.

God those guys are worthless.

Posted by: Hawkins1701 at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (NhqyL)

132 I can't shake this sense of doom, to be honest though.

Cause the cake has already been baked and we're just bystanders watching the speeding America train approach the curve with Hillary at the helm. It aint gonna be pretty.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (ODxAs)

133 she thinks she is a Queen

We've had our king. Now it's her turn.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (W5DcG)

134 >>All the Republican candidates should be imprisoned for raping me at Oberlin.

Or be forced to watch this cracktastic music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=173&v=QcIy9NiNbmo

Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:25 PM (V7QeA)

135 Shock Huckabee just for shits and giggles.
Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:18 PM (SCvwT)

Dibs on the remote.

Posted by: 98ZJUSMC Suntanning in Bizzaro World at May 19, 2015 12:25 PM (mmlFU)

136 Perry would get confused and stick himself in the foot with the trident.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:01 PM (S+el1)

*************
How many candidates, while in office as sitting governors, have shot a coyote while out running?

Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (5f5bM)

137 The problem also with 18 people at a debate is our candidates are going
to start swinging for the fences in order to break away from the pack.

So expect some dumb things to come out of people's mouths and everyone to look absolutely unhinged.

We should allow Todd Akin to be a candidate. That way, everyone else will look brilliant by comparison.

Posted by: pep at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (GMG6W)

138 Single prequalifying question: "Is it the role of government to fund charity or make things fair?"

Anyone who gives any answer other than an absolute "No" is disqualified.

Posted by: Damiano at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (XItbt)

139 112 Saw Carly Fiorina on Fox last night. That old babe is in some fine shape.

I'll admit it, I thought the same.

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (7ObY1)

140 I would like to eliminate senate elections, and have both seats awarded by contest every six years. One would be the "smart seat" held by whoever gets the highest score in some mixed IQ/history/game test. The other is the "strong seat" held by the winner of a massive hand-to-hand rumble.

Posted by: wooga at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (g+Td3)

141 "And remember, Obama got some of the questions in advance."

And lied through his teeth about his ILBAIPA vote.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (MYCIw)

142
Hillary is in Iowa

where she has fled the press from two events already, no questions

this one she was taking planted questions from "voters"

Ed Henry interrupted the charade to ask if she would take questions from the press

at which point she said she might at some point in the future consider it

she more or les told him to sit down and shut up

there is video of it
it should play night and day

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (zOTsN)

143 "72
How about having Candy Crowley as moderator and then we nominate the first candidate that kills her?

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (oDCMR)"

That would be extra cool if they used that medieval spiked ball thing on a chain.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (KDbAT)

144 How about a jousting tourney? It would be worth watching just to see some of them try and ride a horse.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:23 PM (S+el1)

Great idea. I can think of three good reasons we should do it.

1. I'm a terrific rider.
2. I could kill any of those wimps with my bare hands if I needed to.
and 3. Eh.....

Posted by: Rick Perry at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (TOk1P)

145 And remember, Obama got some of the questions in advance.

Posted by: buzzion at May 19, 2015 12:24 PM (zt+N6)

My model: have each candidate questioned by someone from the other side, with the moderator reduced to merely being a time-keeper. At the two minute mark he cuts off the candidate's ... uh ... microphone, or to go with DangerGirl's excellent suggestion, shocks the bejesus out of him with the shock collar.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:27 PM (oKE6c)

146 I'd go to Iowa. If somebody would let me have the keys.

Posted by: Joe Biden at May 19, 2015 12:27 PM (OZmbA)

147 How many candidates, while in office as sitting governors, have shot a coyote while out running?

And that will make him a good president why?

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:27 PM (S+el1)

148 no body likes arrogant

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:27 PM (zOTsN)

149 >>And remember, Obama got some of the questions in advance

Forgot that! Gawd, did he get A LOT of help.

But for a primary, I'm OK with questions in advance, though I'd prefer not. Element of surprise isn't as important when you're not attempting to ding the remark your opponent just made.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:28 PM (V7QeA)

150
Blindfolded and a pi�ata full of Chiclets. For the Hispanic vote.

Posted by: wth at May 19, 2015 12:28 PM (wAQA5)

151 The first rule of selling something is to limit the choices to the customer.

Your average person can handle picking one in two or even one in three. That's it.

In a perfect world, cigar smoking HOA presidents would meet in a back room and decide which three candidates would be put up for the primary.

Posted by: jwest at May 19, 2015 12:28 PM (9ZZd+)

152 How many candidates, while in office as sitting governors, have shot a coyote while out running?

Or shot an elephant in their pajamas.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at May 19, 2015 12:28 PM (W5DcG)

153 We should allow Todd Akin to be a candidate. That way, everyone else will look brilliant by comparison.
Posted by: pep at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (GMG6W)

See! I told you you stupid God loving Socons wanted Todd Akin to be president!

Posted by: Mu Mu at May 19, 2015 12:28 PM (zt+N6)

154 OT
Alextopia is up for sale in Texas.

http://tinyurl.com/ky47mbd

""The estate includes the 510,000-acre
ranch spread over six North Texas counties, with two main compounds,
hundreds of homes, about 20 cowboy camps, hundreds of quarter-horses,
thousands of heads of cattle, 1,200 oil wells and 30,000 acres of
cultivated land, according to Dallas-based broker Bernie Uechtritz, who
is handling the sale along with broker Sam Middleton of Lubbock.

Posted by: Buzzsaw at May 19, 2015 12:29 PM (wrS2o)

155 138 Single prequalifying question: "Is it the role of government to fund charity or make things fair?"

Anyone who gives any answer other than an absolute "No" is disqualified.

Posted by: Damiano at May 19, 2015 12:26 PM (XItbt)

"In your view, what proportion of the Democrat Party should be arrested?"

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:29 PM (oKE6c)

156 There wouldn't be so many 'Pubs in play if there weren't inside numbers showing Hilary as being weak.

Posted by: Jean at May 19, 2015 12:29 PM (ztOda)

157 >>My model: have each candidate questioned by someone from the other side

What other side - another candidate or from the Dems?
Because all debates now are "from the other side"/Lefty/Dem perspective, even during the GOP primaries.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:29 PM (V7QeA)

158 1. I'm a terrific rider.
2. I could kill any of those wimps with my bare hands if I needed to.
and 3. Eh.....

Posted by: Rick Perry

Heh. Made me chuckle out loud.

Posted by: Sphynx at May 19, 2015 12:29 PM (OZmbA)

159 "And that will make him a good president why?"

Decisive action. Accuracy. Showed he was willing to protect those under his guardianship.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 12:29 PM (MYCIw)

160 Or shot an elephant in their pajamas.

What he was doing in my pajamas I'll never know.

Posted by: Groucho Marxx at May 19, 2015 12:30 PM (S+el1)

161 147 How many candidates, while in office as sitting governors, have shot a coyote while out running?

And that will make him a good president why?

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:27 PM (S+el1)

Coyote ~ Muslim terrorist.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:30 PM (oKE6c)

162 I've never seen an elephant in pajamas.

Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:30 PM (SCvwT)

163 How many candidates, while in office as sitting governors, have shot a coyote while out running?

Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon

Meep meep!

Posted by: Governor Roadrunner at May 19, 2015 12:30 PM (VAsIq)

164 These are entirely reasonable and doable suggestions.

Which is why the GOPe/Stupid Party will never do them!

Posted by: Mickey Shwarma at May 19, 2015 12:31 PM (sCHw2)

165 We need to reject the old force-fed paradigm.
With content on demand, there's no reason we need to schedule debates at one particular time.
This has the added effect of removing power from the media as gatekeepers.

Posted by: Matt_SE at May 19, 2015 12:31 PM (axNZt)

166 >>We should allow Todd Akin to be a candidate

Mr. GOP candidate - we see from Akin that you are all idiot, female h8trs - care to deny it

Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:31 PM (V7QeA)

167 What other side - another candidate or from the Dems?

Because all debates now are "from the other side"/Lefty/Dem perspective, even during the GOP primaries.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:29 PM (V7QeA)
Good point. I forgot we're no longer living in America.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:31 PM (oKE6c)

168 I'm in favor of a cage match with elimination bouts. To the victor go the spoils.

Posted by: Hank at May 19, 2015 12:31 PM (mb+j8)

169 >>I've never seen an elephant in pajamas.

kinky - you've only seen them out of their pjs...

Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:32 PM (V7QeA)

170 "And that will make him a good president why?"

Decisive action. Accuracy. Showed he was willing to protect those under his guardianship.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 12:29 PM (MYCIw)

He's in the bottom half of my list. He comes across as too smarmy for me

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:32 PM (S+el1)

171
The fact is that the Repub is going to have to win about 6 of the 7 states that are actually up for grabs.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 19, 2015 12:32 PM (ODxAs)

172 Blindfolded playing pin the tail on the donkey, with a life size poster of Hillary's backside.

Posted by: wth at May 19, 2015 12:33 PM (wAQA5)

173 I think we should have prelims to the debates, like American Ninja Warrior. You have to get through regionals to get to nationals and then the show.

Except we should put a candidate into a Thunderdome with a journalist. The one that leaves goes to the debate.

I like this. Of course, I agreed with Steve Martin that the Battle of the Network Stars be fought with guns.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at May 19, 2015 12:33 PM (0HooB)

174 My side already has fifty-two states locked down, leaving about sixty in play.

Posted by: Presn't Obama at May 19, 2015 12:34 PM (VAsIq)

175 "147
How many candidates, while in office as sitting governors, have shot a coyote while out running?

And that will make him a good president why?

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:27 PM (S+el1)"

Because Fuck You, Next Question.

That's why.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 19, 2015 12:34 PM (KDbAT)

176 Also, continuing with the shock collar idea...if elected, they must continue to wear the collar. As soon as they propose something that goes against a campaign promise, they get shocked. The shocks increase in intensity until one day, blammo, just like in that Japanese movie I can't remember the name of.

Technically, this should be done to all Republicans.

Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:34 PM (SCvwT)

177 Blindfolded playing pin the tail on the donkey, with a life size poster of Hillary's backside.

Posted by: wth

I'd never take the blindfold off...

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 12:34 PM (VAsIq)

178 Wait, Candy Crowley is going to moderate a debate in her pajamas?

Or are we discussing another elephant?

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 12:34 PM (7ObY1)

179 "Have you ever agreed with Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton on anything or at any time given any support whatsoever to any of their ideas?"

Anyone answering anything but a decisive, verifiable "No" is disqualified... and sent to GITMO.

Posted by: Damiano at May 19, 2015 12:35 PM (XItbt)

180 This is a good idea Drew.

Posted by: Draki at May 19, 2015 12:35 PM (0eidE)

181 How To Solve The Crowded GOP Debate Stage Problem

BRING BACK DECIMATION!!!!!!

Posted by: The Guy Who Wants To Bring Back Decimation at May 19, 2015 12:36 PM (8ZskC)

182 172 Blindfolded playing pin the tail on the donkey, with a life size poster of Hillary's backside.

Posted by: wth at May 19, 2015 12:33 PM (wAQA5)

Keep the blindfolds for the audience. Let the bastards try to pin the tail on that thing while having to look at it. Good heavens. That's almost inhuman torture.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:36 PM (nqiq9)

183 "Does America have anything to fear from a Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton presidency?"

Posted by: Damiano at May 19, 2015 12:36 PM (XItbt)

184 Do the voters know you're a terrible human being? I feel that is something the voters should know.

Posted by: Debate Moderator at May 19, 2015 12:36 PM (VAsIq)

185
Today is Claim Back Mal X Day. Expect traffic to be blocked.

Posted by: Bruce J. at May 19, 2015 12:36 PM (iQIUe)

186 A blind quadriplegic could hit a life size poster of Billary's butt from 100 yards out.

Posted by: Hank at May 19, 2015 12:36 PM (mb+j8)

187 Easy:

Toss 15 candidates and 8 microphones into ThunderDome.

Posted by: MikeD at May 19, 2015 12:37 PM (uKJIC)

188 He's in the bottom half of my list. He comes across as too smarmy for me
Posted by: wrg500
_____________

Rick Perry has always reminded me of Elliott Carlin, one of the patients on the Bob Newhart Show.

Posted by: Furious George at May 19, 2015 12:37 PM (UlJ3l)

189 Sample question:

Is it enough to burn down the EPA headquarters building or do we need to shoot them as they come running out the doors as well?

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 19, 2015 12:37 PM (KDbAT)

190 Keep the blindfolds for the audience. Let the
bastards try to pin the tail on that thing while having to look at it.
Good heavens. That's almost inhuman torture.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:36 PM (nqiq9)

Too easy. How could you miss, even blindfolded?

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:37 PM (oKE6c)

191 I have not only shot a coyote, but I field dressed it and prepared its meat in a wonderful traditional Mexican carne asada dish.

Posted by: El Gobernador Jeb Bush at May 19, 2015 12:38 PM (8ZskC)

192 "In two minutes or less, in reference to the questions about Benghazi posed to Hillary Clinton: What difference, at this point, DOES it make?"

Posted by: Damiano at May 19, 2015 12:38 PM (XItbt)

193
Is it enough to burn down the EPA headquarters building or do we need to shoot them as they come running out the doors as well?

President Boy says, "Why choose?"

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this sh1t at May 19, 2015 12:39 PM (0HooB)

194 So the #BlackLivesMatter crew are starting to protest the Vonderit Myers shooting.

Idiots. You shoot at a cop expect to have incoming fire.

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at May 19, 2015 12:39 PM (fWAjv)

195 Or shot an elephant in their pajamas.

What he was doing in my pajamas I'll never know.

Posted by: Groucho Marxx at May 19, 2015 12:30 PM (S+el1)

So she says to me, "will you make love to me in your pajamas?" I said "sure lady, but why you want to wear my pajamas I will never know!"

Posted by: Groucho Perry at May 19, 2015 12:39 PM (TOk1P)

196 So the #BlackLivesMatter crew are starting to protest the Vonderit Myers shooting.

Odd how they didn't have shit to say about Liquori Tate.

Posted by: HR braucht ein Bier at May 19, 2015 12:40 PM (ZKzrr)

197 Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:37 PM (oKE6c)

How could you even approach it? The aura of skank would be sun-like in its intensity. It would be like Nebuchadnezzar's soldiers trying to approach the fiery furnace - throw it up somewhere close then drop dead.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:40 PM (nqiq9)

198 Chess clocks?
Each candidate is put in a soundproof booth and has X minutes of verbal time. You talk and clock goes down. Go to zero and your mike dies.
This will keep answers short or you end up stuck in a booth with no voice. Embarrasing.
Put the same question to each candidate in turn. They get to answer as long as they want. No interruptions by other candidates (soundproof booth).
Questions continue till all time is gone.

Posted by: Man from Wazzustan at May 19, 2015 12:40 PM (uPxUo)

199
I suppose Gladiator fights which include all the Dems is probably out of the question.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 19, 2015 12:40 PM (ODxAs)

200 That sounds workable, Drew. Perhaps C-SPAN would be the proper venue?

Posted by: Mikey NTH - The Outrage Outlet Buy A Malediction, Get an Imaginary Insult Half Off! at May 19, 2015 12:40 PM (hLRSq)

201 Drew - would you mind taking over the GOP Headquarters? We need someone sensible.

Posted by: Ghost of John Brown at May 19, 2015 12:41 PM (vOro6)

202 I think we need to revisit the Clan of the Cave Bear.

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:42 PM (oDCMR)

203 If you're going to have 'debates' at all, then you have a round-robin of no more than 3 or 4 on a stage at a time.

Posted by: The Devoceleraptor (sometimes JEM) at May 19, 2015 12:42 PM (o+SC1)

204 194 So the #BlackLivesMatter crew are starting to protest the Vonderit Myers shooting.

Idiots. You shoot at a cop expect to have incoming fire.

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at May 19, 2015 12:39 PM (fWAjv)

Because shooting at a cop is an excellent way to turn your life around.

Oh, and someone tell Harvard "Vonderit" won't be coming this fall.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:42 PM (oKE6c)

205 >>> Just please spare us the clown shows.<<<

Lube up their nipples and let them have at it like Holyfield-Romney.

Posted by: Fritz at May 19, 2015 12:43 PM (UzPAd)

206 This is an excellent idea. Thus it will never be done.

Posted by: alexthechick - Oh please intervene SMOD at May 19, 2015 12:43 PM (mf5HN)

207
Screw that, debates are the way to go, just talk over the other guy.

Posted by: Joey Biden at May 19, 2015 12:44 PM (ODxAs)

208 I suppose Gladiator fights which include all the Dems is probably out of the question.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at May 19, 2015 12:40 PM (ODxAs)

I'd rather see duels with pistols. They have to load them themselves. Betcha not many pansyass dems can load a pistol.

Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:44 PM (SCvwT)

209 Amen. Debates suck. They're a circus side show. The candidates used to actually debate. Now it's just an angle to hopefully get in a good soundbite for the news.

Posted by: Dang at May 19, 2015 12:45 PM (XWo4d)

210 I say put ALL of them on the back of the stage then have Megyn Kelly and Jenna Lee oil-wrestle front stage for the entire debate.

We would take the same amount of info away from the canned and insipid answers, but at least our eyes would be happy.

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 12:45 PM (nqiq9)

211 I will put it on my list for due consideration.

Posted by: Hillary Cersei Rodham Clinton at May 19, 2015 12:45 PM (PtTYB)

212 Rick Perry has always reminded me of Elliott Carlin, one of the patients on the Bob Newhart Show.

Posted by: Furious George at May 19, 2015 12:37 PM (UlJ3l)

I was thinking either Larry, Darryl or Darryl

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:45 PM (S+el1)

213 Candidate forums?

I reject that idea in favor of a wilderness survival course.

Drop each candidate in the middle of the desert, 25 miles from the nearest road, with a canteen of water, a piece of flint, and a Bowie knife.

First one back gets the nomination.

Posted by: zombie at May 19, 2015 12:45 PM (jBuUi)

214 Or we could sort this out tout de suite by having me moderate.

Posted by: alexthechick - Oh please intervene SMOD at May 19, 2015 12:46 PM (mf5HN)

215 The first question for any of the candidates: Which do you prefer, hardwood or carpet?

Posted by: Soona at May 19, 2015 12:46 PM (Z95Jd)

216 Drop each candidate in the middle of the desert, 25 miles from the nearest road, with a canteen of water, a piece of flint, and a Bowie knife.

I would welcome more visitors to my island.

Posted by: General Zaroff at May 19, 2015 12:47 PM (ZtFr+)

217 Or we could sort this out tout de suite by having me moderate.

Posted by: alexthechick - Oh please intervene SMOD at May 19, 2015 12:46 PM (mf5HN)

Ahhh, we need a living candidate my queen.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:47 PM (S+el1)

218 How about this: If you never wore the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States, you don't get a podium at the Presidential debates.

You still get to sit with the audience, justlike you sat out service to your country.

Posted by: Adirondack Patriot at May 19, 2015 12:48 PM (iAUf+)

219 I recommend swordplay. There can be only one!

Posted by: Citizen Cake at May 19, 2015 12:48 PM (PtTYB)

220 The first question for any of the candidates: ginger or mary anne

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:48 PM (S+el1)

221 1. Nachos are the great uniter of Americans and our friends below the border.

2. Naugahyde is a very underrated decorating medium.

3. NFL needs to stop with the panty waist rules.

4. Newton was right: what goes up, must come down.

And they said I don't have any 4-N policy experience...

Posted by: Groucho Perry at May 19, 2015 12:48 PM (TOk1P)

222 I'd rather see duels with pistols. They have to load them themselves. Betcha not many pansyass dems can load a pistol.

Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:44 PM (SCvwT)

I'm thinking "halberds."

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:49 PM (oKE6c)

223 The first question for any of the candidates: Which do you prefer, hardwood or carpet?

If you were stranded on Gilligan's Island, who would you rape first? Ginger, Mary Anne or Mrs. Howell?

Posted by: Sabrina Rubin Erdeley at May 19, 2015 12:49 PM (8ZskC)

224 How about this: If you never wore the uniform of the Armed Forces of the
United States, you don't get a podium at the Presidential debates.

You'd privilege Carter over Reagan?

Posted by: HR braucht ein Bier at May 19, 2015 12:49 PM (ZKzrr)

225 Candidate forums?

I reject that idea in favor of a wilderness survival course.

Drop each candidate in the middle of the desert, 25 miles from the
nearest road, with a canteen of water, a piece of flint, and a Bowie
knife.

First one back gets the nomination.

Posted by: zombie at May 19, 2015 12:45 PM (jBuUi)

Nekkid??

Posted by: Groucho Perry at May 19, 2015 12:50 PM (TOk1P)

226 This is the perfect time for Sarah Palin to announce she's in the race.

What better way to fuck with all the press who fucked with her in '08? Use every interview, debate, article and public appearance to pick a different reporter out of the crowd and rip them apart.

Posted by: jwest at May 19, 2015 12:50 PM (9ZZd+)

227 I'm thinking "halberds."
Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:49 PM (oKE6c)

Could work.

Posted by: DangerGirl at May 19, 2015 12:51 PM (SCvwT)

228 If you were a tree, what kind of women-hating rapist tree would you be?

Posted by: Sabrina Rubin Erdeley at May 19, 2015 12:51 PM (8ZskC)

229 Reagan was in the Army

Posted by: tu3031 at May 19, 2015 12:51 PM (YFFpo)

230 If you were stranded on Gilligan's Island, who would you rape first? Ginger, Mary Anne or Mrs. Howell?

Posted by: Sabrina Rubin Erdeley

Why isn't Gilligan an option, H8R!?

Posted by: SJW Special Snowflake at May 19, 2015 12:51 PM (VAsIq)

231 AT this point, I think the most important aspect is the questions.
If they're not asked questions on issues that matter to conservatives, or at least from the conservative perspective, then what's the point?

I don't care how the candidate stands on SSM, transgender bathroom accommodation, or some fake "war on women" issues. This is wasted time. I want to know what they will do to preserve the protections specified in the bill of rights - how will they ensure that people are free to practice religion, possess guns and protect themselves, etc.

Posted by: Lizzy at May 19, 2015 12:51 PM (V7QeA)

232
Fuck those Republican fucks.

Posted by: Soothsayer at May 19, 2015 12:52 PM (D0CMn)

233 As long as we are fantasizing, journalists should probably be involved in this contest.

My suggestion, is that journalists should be tied to a fence. Each of the candidates rides past them on a horse with a cavalry saber. Which ever candidate cuts off the most heads moves on to the next stage in the contest.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 19, 2015 12:53 PM (KDbAT)

234 If you were a tree, what kind of women-hating rapist tree would you be?

Posted by: Sabrina Rubin Erdeley

Willow.

Posted by: Lindsey Graham at May 19, 2015 12:53 PM (VAsIq)

235 How about a shooting contest? Give each one a hunting rifle and then turn loose some terrorist from Gitmo.

"Pull!"

"Bang!"

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 12:53 PM (oKE6c)

236 >>> You'd privilege Carter over Reagan?

In 1947 Ronald Reagan received a comission as a second lieutenant in the US Cavalry Reserve, following training at Fort Des Moines, IA. On April 19, 1942, he entered the Army Air Forces first Motion Picture Unit, with the rank of second lieutenant and later rose to that of captain

Posted by: Bigby's Index Finger at May 19, 2015 12:54 PM (3ZtZW)

237
I'm gonna need a bigger mailbox for all of these newsletters I'm gonna be subscribing to.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 19, 2015 12:54 PM (lpeQC)

238 I suggest a Mississippi Slap Fight.

Posted by: Dang at May 19, 2015 12:54 PM (XWo4d)

239 Just copy pasted, but those dates look weird to me. 1947 then 1942? Sumpin' ain't right

Posted by: Bigby's Index Finger at May 19, 2015 12:55 PM (3ZtZW)

240
another Chorine gas attack in Syria

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:55 PM (zOTsN)

241 Here is an idea; Invite 15 of our favorite leftard"journalists" to be grilled by the GOP candidates. That would be entertaining.

Posted by: maddogg at May 19, 2015 12:55 PM (xWW96)

242 New age solution.

Post the questions, they can then post an up to 5 minute answer on that question in video format.

Call it the first You Tube Debate...

Posted by: BB Wolf at May 19, 2015 12:57 PM (qh617)

243 Here is an idea; Invite 15 of our favorite leftard"journalists" to be grilled by the GOP candidates. That would be entertaining.

Posted by: maddogg

I'm hoping you actually meant to grill them, like with fire. I really want you to have meant burn them.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 12:57 PM (VAsIq)

244 "240

another Chorine gas attack in Syria

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:55 PM (zOTsN)"

Just disinfecting. The explosions leave a lot of jagged metal that tends to rust quickly. We wouldn't want anybody to get lock jaw.

Posted by: Obnoxious A-Hole at May 19, 2015 12:57 PM (KDbAT)

245 Mud wrestling! Elimination rounds until it gets down to four candidates!

But seriously.. I like this idea.. it takes away the adversarial nature of debates as well, so the candidates are not beating up on the guy who will finally end up being the nominee.

one more thing..WTF is a jagdork like Lindsey Graham doing joining this clown car? Someone just tell him to go home.. and Krispy Kreme as well.. not a snowball's chance in hell either of these two idiots are getting the nom.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at May 19, 2015 12:58 PM (so+oy)

246 another Chorine gas attack in Syria

At least it wasn't Sarin. Then I'd have to do something.

Now watch this drive.

Posted by: Prez'nit Shit Midas at May 19, 2015 12:58 PM (8ZskC)

247 We just love the smell of swimming pools. Makes us nostalgic.

Posted by: Syria at May 19, 2015 12:58 PM (VAsIq)

248 Wait, someone already suggested rabid weasels as a way to clear the stage right? Right.

Ahhh, we need a living candidate my queen.
Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:47 PM (S+el1)

Sheesh you people are fussy.

Posted by: alexthechick - Oh please intervene SMOD at May 19, 2015 12:59 PM (mf5HN)

249 240
another Chorine gas attack in Syria

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:55 PM (zOTsN)

Just because I'm evil doesn't mean I don't like a clean bathroom.

Posted by: Bashar Assad at May 19, 2015 12:59 PM (2Ojst)

250 How about this: If you never wore the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States, you don't get a podium at the Presidential debates.

Great idea!

Posted by: General Weasely Clark at May 19, 2015 01:00 PM (ZtFr+)

251 Elian Gonzalez wants to go foot dry in Miami, and he's 21 this time so no BS about turning him over to the commies. Wouldn't it be hilarious if he "visits" Florida, then rents an apartment and announces he's staying?

Posted by: MTF at May 19, 2015 01:00 PM (os0IK)

252 another Chorine gas attack in Syria

Stop feeding those showgirls burritos!

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 01:00 PM (oKE6c)

253 A crate of longbows and crossbows.

First we can mock them for their choice. Then we can laugh at all the "strays" hitting the press boxes.

Posted by: Alan at May 19, 2015 01:00 PM (uq4RW)

254 229 Reagan was in the Army
Posted by: tu3031

Well, to be more accurate, he was in the First Motion Picture Unit of the Army, making propaganda and training films stateside.

Which actually is appropriate -- if someone has specialized skills, those skills should be used to the benefit of the war effort.

But no, he never saw combat:

"Due to his poor eyesight, he was classified for limited service only, which excluded him from serving overseas."

Posted by: zombie at May 19, 2015 01:00 PM (jBuUi)

255 Reagan's service

http://tinyurl.com/3e78ma

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at May 19, 2015 01:00 PM (fWAjv)

256 another Chorine gas attack in Syria

War is just so dirty that they had to disinfect the battlefield.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 01:00 PM (S+el1)

257 Bowe Bergdahl could run for office. However the hell you spell his name.

Posted by: NCKate at May 19, 2015 01:01 PM (tpaSF)

258 Great idea Dew.

Posted by: Mr. Wu at May 19, 2015 01:02 PM (FdTDf)

259 At least it wasn't Sarin. Then I'd have to do something.

Now watch this drive.

Posted by: Prez'nit Shit Midas at May 19, 2015 12:58 PM (8ZskC)

Sarin hasn't historically been known as a chemical weapon.

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at May 19, 2015 01:02 PM (fWAjv)

260 Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at May 19, 2015 12:58 PM (so+oy)
===================

Let the GOPe alone! They've done nothing wrong!

Posted by: Juan McVain, GOPe Statesman at May 19, 2015 01:02 PM (os0IK)

261 Drew. Dammit

Posted by: Mr. Wu at May 19, 2015 01:02 PM (FdTDf)

262 251 Elian Gonzalez wants to go foot dry in Miami, and he's 21 this time so no BS about turning him over to the commies. Wouldn't it be hilarious if he "visits" Florida, then rents an apartment and announces he's staying?

That's exactly why I'm figuring Raul Castro's gonna deep-seis that notion.

Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 01:02 PM (7ObY1)

263 Wait, someone already suggested rabid weasels as a way to clear the stage right? Right.

Ahhh, we need a living candidate my queen.
Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:47 PM (S+el1)

Sheesh you people are fussy.

Posted by: alexthechick

I dunno, seems like Dead Presidents hold more sway...

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 01:02 PM (VAsIq)

264 How about this: If you never wore the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States, you don't get a podium at the Presidential debates.
-------------------

I see your point, but really, Ted Kennedy rather than Ted Cruz? Charlie Rangel rather than Scott Walker?

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 19, 2015 01:03 PM (F2IAQ)

265 How about this: If you never wore the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States, you don't get a podium at the Presidential debates.

Does Candy Striper count?

Posted by: Liz Warren at May 19, 2015 01:04 PM (S+el1)

266 240
another Chorine gas attack in Syria

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:55 PM (zOTsN)

Did the chorine eat too many tacos?

Posted by: rickl at May 19, 2015 01:04 PM (zoehZ)

267 "another Chorine gas attack in Syria
"

Makes your whites whiter, and your tile grout sparkle.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 19, 2015 01:04 PM (VPLuQ)

268 If we don't have a MSM moderated debate how we ever know their stance on banning birth control?

Posted by: George Orwell de Leon at May 19, 2015 01:05 PM (1BQGO)

269 >>> another Chorine gas attack in Syria

FKN TIAMAT!!1!

Posted by: Bigby's Index Finger at May 19, 2015 01:05 PM (3ZtZW)

270 Gas attack in Syria is like saying gunfire in Chicago on a saturday night; like we should care.

Who, where, to what effect? Who is reporting it, and who are their sources? Is there an unrelated second source confirming. You know, like journalist used to do in olden times. At least they used to claim that was what they did.

Posted by: Chas Bud Flowers at May 19, 2015 01:05 PM (YI9Ph)

271
Ahhh, we need a living candidate my queen.
Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 12:47 PM (S+el1)

Rotted, rested and ready.

Braaaaaains.....

Posted by: Zombie Ronald Reagan at May 19, 2015 01:05 PM (lpeQC)

272 Have the audience vote on the quality of the question asked by the MFM moderator.
He/she gets a bone broken for every question deemed stupid, irrelevant or partisan.

Posted by: Northernlurker at May 19, 2015 01:06 PM (tMrac)

273 Let em all fight it out in a boxing ring

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 19, 2015 01:07 PM (rDqRv)

274 The audience should just start laughing every time Huckabee, Graham, Christie, etc. opens his mouth.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 01:07 PM (VAsIq)

275 Drudge's O'Malley boner is kicking in once again....

Posted by: JoeF. at May 19, 2015 01:08 PM (TE41E)

276 Easy solution: have Ace moderate the shit out of these debates.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 01:08 PM (VAsIq)

277 Bob Kraft addressing media now, after meeting with Goodell.

Posted by: LincolnTf at May 19, 2015 01:08 PM (2cS/G)

278 The only way I'd be in favor of allowing Jeb on a GOP debate stage is if he first agrees in writing to not become Hillary's running mate once he flushes from the Republican primaries.

Posted by: MTF at May 19, 2015 01:09 PM (os0IK)

279 Your viral video moment for the morning:

http://order-order.com/2015/05/18/labour-mp-eats-his-own-earwax/#_@/t-RDPvEtY710og

Posted by: The Devoceleraptor at May 19, 2015 01:09 PM (o+SC1)

280 The Joplin Globe reports that Communist Cuba has begun a temporary trial by lifting it's 40 year ban on the Bible. In response an organization in southern Missouri has taken advantage of the reprieve to ship in over 250,000 of the Holy Book with a goal of distributing over a million of them.

America losing it's religion. Cuba gaining.

Interesting times.

Posted by: RWC - Team BOHICA at May 19, 2015 01:09 PM (fWAjv)

281 Have the debates in a big-top circus tent, with clowns and trained elephants and everything. GOP: the big tent party.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 01:09 PM (VAsIq)

282
2 villages in Idlib province

40 cases of asphyxiation

most of them children

3rd chlorine gas attack in five days

multiple sources

from Assad

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 01:10 PM (zOTsN)

283 Looks Like O'Malley is going to announce he is running according to AP.

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 01:10 PM (S+el1)

284 Maybe we measure their cocks and publish the result?

If Hillary! wore a strap on would that count?

Posted by: An Observation at May 19, 2015 01:10 PM (MNGke)

285 Bob Kraft addressing media now, after meeting with Goodell.

Posted by: LincolnTf

Shilling his delicious Mac and Cheese again, I'm sure.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 01:10 PM (VAsIq)

286 Most of us in the horde could ask better questions than the so called journalists. Somebody, not me, should put up a thread where we can contribute questions, and then the good ones submitted. Ace is a recognized commentator who knows people of influence. Get some serious questions and some serious answers, even if some of those answers are non denial denials of the limited hang out kind.

Posted by: Chas Bud Flowers at May 19, 2015 01:10 PM (YI9Ph)

287 dropped in barrel bombs

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 01:10 PM (zOTsN)

288 @269 - that was just someone trying to get their countertops extra, extra clean and mixed the bleach with the ammonia.

Posted by: The Devoceleraptor at May 19, 2015 01:10 PM (o+SC1)

289
262 251 Elian Gonzalez wants to go foot dry in Miami, and he's 21 this time so no BS about turning him over to the commies. Wouldn't it be hilarious if he "visits" Florida, then rents an apartment and announces he's staying? That's exactly why I'm figuring Raul Castro's gonna deep-seis that notion.
Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 01:02 PM (7ObY1

Obama would ship him back. He loves kissing totalitarian dictator taint.

Posted by: buzzion at May 19, 2015 01:12 PM (zt+N6)

290 video on you tube

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 01:12 PM (zOTsN)

291 Fight Club!

Fight Club!!

Fight Club!!!

Posted by: naturalfake wants Republican Fight Club Primaries at May 19, 2015 01:12 PM (0cMkb)

292 @281 - I think we should have a Burning Man Debate.

Book some huge parking lot and they can all show up in their mobile kinetic-sculpture vehicles, make as much noise as possible, slip in a few policy statements along the way, then we vote on whose approach was the most creative.

Posted by: The Devoceleraptor at May 19, 2015 01:12 PM (o+SC1)

293 that was just someone trying to get their countertops extra, extra clean and mixed the bleach with the ammonia.

My wife's idiot did that once in a spray bottle....it exploded

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 01:12 PM (S+el1)

294 Kraft won't appeal, still thinks it was excessive and arbitrary judgment/sanctions.

Posted by: LincolnTf at May 19, 2015 01:12 PM (2cS/G)

295 Before every GOP debate the candidates could each give the mods a goody bag, filled with Planned Parenthood gift certificates, free contraception, pictures of rapists the candidate has strangled with their bare hands and written endorsements from Sean Penn and Vladimir Putain.

Confuse the bastards!

Posted by: MTF at May 19, 2015 01:13 PM (os0IK)

296 Fight Club!!!

----

SSSSHHHHHHHH!

Posted by: First Rule, Dammit! at May 19, 2015 01:13 PM (VAsIq)

297 Put em all in dunk tanks, and if the audience bullshit meter reaches 60% on an answer, splash they go.

Carly can wear a T-shirt; Lindsey's tank should have a 12 foot bull shark.

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 19, 2015 01:13 PM (MX7TD)

298 293idiot uncle

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 01:13 PM (S+el1)

299 286 Most of us in the horde could ask better questions than the so called journalists. Somebody, not me, should put up a thread where we can contribute questions, and then the good ones submitted. Ace is a recognized commentator who knows people of influence. Get some serious questions and some serious answers, even if some of those answers are non denial denials of the limited hang out kind.

Posted by: Chas Bud Flowers at May 19, 2015 01:10 PM (YI9Ph) /i]

And have the viewing audience vote on the answers, with only registered Republicans allowed to vote.

Sorry, Reds, you're not going to pack the results this time.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 01:14 PM (oKE6c)

300 Oops.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 01:14 PM (oKE6c)

301 Bottom 5 - Cage match on pay per view

Posted by: Cheri at May 19, 2015 01:14 PM (oiNtH)

302 Why even have questions? Just give each candidate 5 minutes to speak on whatever topics they want.

Posted by: HUCK / AKIN 2016 at May 19, 2015 01:15 PM (0LHZx)

303
Carly can wear a T-shirt; Lindsey's tank should have a 12 foot bull shark.

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 19, 2015 01:13 PM (MX7TD)

I'd like to suggest the candidate with the biggest boobs wins.

Posted by: Chrispy Christie at May 19, 2015 01:16 PM (0cMkb)

304 Instant speculation that Kraft accepts all the Team penalties (million dollars, first and fourth round picks) in exchange for a back-channel agreement that Tom Brady's appeal, which is already ongoing, will be dealt with generously.

Posted by: LincolnTf at May 19, 2015 01:16 PM (2cS/G)

305 idiot uncle

He's lucky if it didn't kill him.

Posted by: An Observation at May 19, 2015 01:16 PM (MNGke)

306 @297 - sorry, she's not all that in that particular department.

As for Graham, pirahna.

I'll say it again: he'd probably make a very good SecState, maybe even SecDef, but I sure as hell don't want him behind the desk in the Oval Office.

Posted by: The Devoceleraptor at May 19, 2015 01:16 PM (o+SC1)

307 "Why even have questions? Just give each candidate 5 minutes to speak on whatever topics they want."

We want to catch them off balance and unprepared. Scripted speeches are everywhere.

Posted by: Chas Bud Flowers at May 19, 2015 01:16 PM (YI9Ph)

308 I'd like to suggest the candidate with the biggest boobs wins.

Posted by: Chrispy Christie at May 19, 2015 01:16 PM (0cMkb)

Challenge accepted!

Posted by: Mike Huckabee at May 19, 2015 01:17 PM (0cMkb)

309 He's lucky if it didn't kill him.

Posted by: An Observation at May 19, 2015 01:16 PM (MNGke)

Yep, was trying to clean white wall tires

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 01:17 PM (S+el1)

310 Three words. Randomly. Placed. Landmines.

Posted by: Yep, I'm a nerd at May 19, 2015 01:17 PM (MuoLe)

311 Graham is too influenced by McCain.

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 01:17 PM (zOTsN)

312 @ 269
All right I looked it up, no joy, so WTH is FKN TIAMAT?

Posted by: random lurker at May 19, 2015 01:17 PM (+tRIN)

313 @308 - he said 'WITH the biggest boobs', not 'THE biggest boob'.

Posted by: The Devoceleraptor at May 19, 2015 01:18 PM (o+SC1)

314 Kraft met with Goodell to tell him two things: first, the Patriots aren't going to push an appeal because the NFL has been embarrassed enough already by this ridiculous and oh-so-public overreaction, and second, Goodell should consider becoming a GOP candidate for President because he will be quietly let go at the fall owners meeting. Incompetent twit can't stay out of the papers.

Posted by: MTF at May 19, 2015 01:18 PM (os0IK)

315 Heh.

https://tinyurl.com/kc4a6n3

Posted by: rickl at May 19, 2015 01:18 PM (zoehZ)

316 Elian Gonzalez wants to go foot dry in Miami, and he's 21 this time so no BS about turning him over to the commies. Wouldn't it be hilarious if he "visits" Florida, then rents an apartment and announces he's staying? That's exactly why I'm figuring Raul Castro's gonna deep-seis that notion.
Posted by: Citizen X at May 19, 2015 01:02 PM (7ObY1

Obama would ship him back. He loves kissing totalitarian dictator taint.

-
Not all illegal aliens are created equal.

Posted by: The Great White Snark at May 19, 2015 01:18 PM (XUKZU)

317
312 @ 269 All right I looked it up, no joy, so WTH is FKN TIAMAT?
Posted by: random lurker at May 19, 2015 01:17 PM (+tRIN

Babylonian God of Chaos

Posted by: buzzion at May 19, 2015 01:19 PM (zt+N6)

318 Kill the debates?

But then how do we elevate piddly fuckshit to the status of moon exploding importance and scream at each other with popping veins while what's really going in is these fuckers are stealing everything that isn't nailed down while we stand around with hands jammed in Dad jeans pockets and launch passive-aggressive snarkjavelins at each other.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at May 19, 2015 01:19 PM (oFCZn)

319 @314 - Brady should have been suspended for a year. The Super Bowl result was never in doubt, but would the Pats have even gotten there if they weren't flattening the balls all season?
This would be one for the Nate Silvers.

Posted by: The Devoceleraptor at May 19, 2015 01:20 PM (o+SC1)

320 Candidate forums are also generally more positive. The media narrative with a mass of 15 debaters would be that the GOP is fractured and that they all hate, hate, hate each other because the hateful GOP is inherently full of hating haters who hate.

Posted by: Jonathan Ellis at May 19, 2015 01:20 PM (cGUKr)

321 All right I looked it up, no joy, so WTH is FKN TIAMAT?

Posted by: random lurker

Funky Klan Nighties, This Is A Miraculous Ass-Tightener!

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 19, 2015 01:20 PM (VAsIq)

322 You know, all I have to say is this thread really makes me want to go to The Onion and read about Biden's Trans Am.

*bounds off*

Posted by: alexthechick - Oh please intervene SMOD at May 19, 2015 01:20 PM (mf5HN)

323 Tiamat is a D and D dragon what breates chlorine gas

all the good jokes were taken...

Posted by: Bigby's Index Finger at May 19, 2015 01:20 PM (3ZtZW)

324 Funky Klan Nighties, This Is A Miraculous Ass-Tightener!

Weekend at AtC's!!!!

Posted by: wrg500 at May 19, 2015 01:21 PM (S+el1)

325 The debates are terrible with such a crowded field, and even with limited candidates. It really just allows for some gotcha moments between candidates. Then you have candidates that really are not in it to win, doing the dirty work of someone else, at least I got that sense in a big way last time, particularly Romney was able to avoid getting his hands dirty while some of the second tier candidates pummeled the top tier.

Rock Perry basically torpedoed his own candidacy and maybe his future prospects of every mounting a serious run, with a relatively minor brain fart during a debate where they were rushing for time. There is no mercy for that. Someone like a Paul (and I remember this being a problem for even his father), won't be able to really distinguish their position from the field, just because of the nature of the debate rules, and cross talk and barb trading. It's not productive.

Posted by: Dr. Shatterhand at May 19, 2015 01:21 PM (n/ogz)

326 306 >> @297 - sorry, she's not all that in that particular department.

Yeah, but I'm from the Ron White school of thought -- Once you've seen one set of boobs, you want to see every set of boobs.

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 19, 2015 01:21 PM (MX7TD)

327 He's lucky if it didn't kill him.

Posted by: An Observation at May 19, 2015 01:16 PM (MNGke)
Nah. Common misconception. In principle, mixing ammonia with bleach can produce hydrazine, which is highly toxic. But in fact, it's quite difficult to produce hydrazine from this reaction, because even traces of transition metal ions catalyze the disproportionation of hydrazine to ammonia and nitrogen gas. For this reason, the Raschig process for producing hydrazine employs chelating agents to tie up any adventitious transition metal ions.

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 01:21 PM (oKE6c)

328
*ahem*

I have to do this. Please to be noting this trigger warning. This is a complete trigger warning for anyone what might get triggered by Spiders. Do not click on this if you get triggered by Flying Spiders. Especially if you get triggered by Millions of Flying Spiders that fall like Rain or Snow and cover the ground in Millions of Spiders.

In Australia.

http://elitedai.ly/1PudzUx

Posted by: Bandersnatch at May 19, 2015 01:21 PM (JtwS4)

329 So the 'Bakers refuse to bake a Gay Wedding Cake and get sued and may lose their livelihood' drama is now unfolding in Northern Ireland.
http://tinyurl.com/jvptydo

A story like this may influence the referendum in the Irish Republic on Friday May 22 to change the Irish constitution to allow SSM. The parliament already passed it, but it must also pass the approval of the Irish people to become effective.

Posted by: McCool at May 19, 2015 01:22 PM (nCSwS)

330
judge just ordered the state department to release the emails on a rolling basis as each one becomes available instead of all together in a big dump

drip

drip

drip

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 01:22 PM (zOTsN)

331 ~~Kill~~ End the Debates.

Ya, if you are making the point that politicians can't be trusted. That they can say anything they want, and we have to judge their honesty, and once in office do something different while filling their pockets with money siphoned out of the federal flow of dollars.

In that case, if no one can be trusted, they why bother with the whole clown show?

Posted by: Chas Bud Flowers at May 19, 2015 01:22 PM (YI9Ph)

332 310 Three words. Randomly. Placed. Landmines.

Posted by: Yep, I'm a nerd at May 19, 2015 01:17 PM (MuoLe)

Dancing with the ~~Stars Candidates?~~

Posted by: Jay Guevara at May 19, 2015 01:23 PM (oKE6c)

333 But no, he [Reagan] never saw combat: "Due to his poor eyesight, he was classified for limited service only, which excluded him from serving overseas."
Posted by: zombie at May 19, 2015 01:00 PM (jBuUi)

The press and the Left (I know, I know) tried to make a big deal out of Ronald Reagan's inability to recognize his son Michael when Reagan gave an address to a college audience at one point in an attempt to show what a cold, removed bastard he was. It didn't work. Truth is, Reagan had a difficult time recognizing anyone standing over 10-15 feet away. Faces--all faces--were a blur to him.

Posted by: troyriser at May 19, 2015 01:23 PM (XHR9b)

334 You know, all I have to say is this thread really makes me want to go to The Onion and read about Biden's Trans Am.
=================================

Is Biden still collecting copper from construction sites, I wonder?

Posted by: MTF at May 19, 2015 01:23 PM (os0IK)

335 Break them into a series of small debates... three candidates plus Megyn Kelly... in a hot tub.

Posted by: Gregory of Yardale at May 19, 2015 12:03 PM (O7MnT)

First serious proposal seen so far.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 19, 2015 01:23 PM (C3yAI)

336 One word: Pamplona!

Posted by: bergerbilder at May 19, 2015 01:23 PM (+jijM)

337 Spare us the clown show??
Whattya gonna go, cancel the elections?

Posted by: OneEyedJack at May 19, 2015 01:24 PM (XmOA9)

338 I saw Millions of Flying Spiders open for MSI in Seattle, 1990

Posted by: Bigby's Index Finger at May 19, 2015 01:24 PM (3ZtZW)

339 Bob Dole is ready to step up and take one for the team.

Posted by: Bob Dole at May 19, 2015 01:24 PM (Dwehj)

340 Nood bewbs. But not nude bewbs. Sorry guys.

Posted by: Lauren at May 19, 2015 01:25 PM (MYCIw)

341
A federal court judge Tuesday morning ordered the State Department to devise a schedule for releasing Hillary Clinton's emails on a rolling basis,rejecting a proposalthe department made hours earlier to release all 55,000 pages on January 15, 2016.
US District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras also ordered the State Department to set an exact datefor releasing 296 emails about the 2012 attacks on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. Those records were turned over to Republican lawmakers late last year and are the subject of a congressional investigation into the incident. Government lawyers said in court Tuesday morning thatthey expected these emails to be released withindays or weeks

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 01:25 PM (zOTsN)

342 My suggestion is to pose 4to 6 stock questions to each candidate and then allow each candidate to ask any 2 or 4 other candidates specific questions.

ALL VIA YOUTUBE or some similar video web site. perhaps the GOP could host the videos. Go ahead and let them take the time to research the topic and polish their answers.

There is ZERO benefit to playing 'gotcha' with our own at this point, and giving ammo to the enemy for later. Let's have a serious sober and thoughtful discussion on substance.

Posted by: TSgt Ciz at May 19, 2015 01:27 PM (zrXZi)

343
How about having Candy Crowley as moderator and then we nominate the first candidate that kills her?

Posted by: Super Creepy Eric Hoteham at May 19, 2015 12:12 PM (oDCMR)

Has Captain Ahab declared for the GOP yet?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 19, 2015 01:27 PM (C3yAI)

344 95% of the 198 House Dems advocating for The Fair Wage Act don't pay their interns anything, including Pelosi, Schumer, and that Debbie Wassershit thing.

http://tinyurl.com/n4fz5uf

(Daily Mail)

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 19, 2015 01:28 PM (MX7TD)

345 Limbaugh was talking about Hillary! emails but I was doing something else and it was just noise. I'll have to wait for the transcript.

But it's complicated. He said.

Not buying that. Hillary! her own server, outside of official government channels, and outside of government review, is the story as it's being reported in the media.

Posted by: Chas Bud Flowers at May 19, 2015 01:28 PM (YI9Ph)

346 244 "240
another Chorine gas attack in Syria

Posted by: ThunderB at May 19, 2015 12:55 PM (zOTsN)"

Maybe they all got poison ivy?

Posted by: 1bulwetweft at May 19, 2015 01:29 PM (nqiq9)

347 Drew Of Spades HQ!

Posted by: Harley Quinn at May 19, 2015 01:30 PM (CpiLj)

348 That's why she preemptively announced that she's choosing a Castro as her VP. She doesn't want another Obama situation.

Fidel or Raul? I guess the former may be a little "inflexible" now.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 19, 2015 01:33 PM (C3yAI)

349 Belfast-based Ashers Baking Company refused to make a cake for gay rights activist Gareth Lee, which featured an image of Sesame Street puppets Bert and Ernie below the motto 'Support Gay Marriage'.

Now that sounds like a couple that takes their marriage seriously-They want a Bert and Ernie cake to celebrate it. /sarc.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 19, 2015 01:37 PM (1sJza)

350 Remember all the talk about prosecutors over charging. Here is one I would like to see:

1. Were there Federal Felonies committed in the Hillary! email scandal? Duh, obviously.
2. Was more than one person involved in committing those felonies? Duh, yeah, Hillary! didn't set up and run those servers herself.
3. Did people die in the Commission of those Felonies? Ambassador Stevens unavailable for comment.
4. Felony capital murder charges for everyone involved (Ambassador Stevens death qualifies - insecure email communications may have contributed). Be interesting to see which low level Rat squeals on the Big Cheese first.

I'm sure Attorney General Lynch will be all over that one. Of course that depends on how much Teh Won wants to sabotage her.

Posted by: An Observation at May 19, 2015 01:38 PM (MNGke)

351 Oh, I'm sorry. Gay marriage isn't legal yet in Ireland. Mr. Lee just wanted to prove how deeply seriously he took the issue by asking the bakery to make a Bert and Ernie Cake in support of gay marriage.

The comments following the article don't seem terribly impressed by Mr. Lee's actions:

http://tinyurl.com/jvptydo

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 19, 2015 01:43 PM (1sJza)

352
Here's my idea: Kill the debates.

That's an idea.

My proposal would be to group the candidates into smaller sections, similar to what is done in the World Cup. Then each group can have 2 or 3 debates each over several weeks.

The "winners" of the group move on into the finals against the other winners. An easy way to pare down a crowded field into a more manageable 4-6 candidates.

Determining who won? that's gonna be tough. Also, if someone jumps into the race after the start of the groups debates, they don't get invited.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie at May 19, 2015 01:43 PM (1hM1d)

353
Also, if you're the poor sod who draws Cruz, Paul and Rubio, you could refer to that as the Group of Death.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie at May 19, 2015 01:45 PM (1hM1d)

354 Moderators seem to be picked based on their ability to weed out conservatives. Perhaps the biggest change would be to have moderators who are actually conservative.

Posted by: But it has probably already been said at May 19, 2015 01:47 PM (sTm/x)

355 Good idea, I wonder if videotaped Rorschach tests would tell us more?

Posted by: Okrathief at May 19, 2015 03:52 PM (VXR9Q)

356 Drew:

C-SPAN will cover the events you proposed, and they will be great.

If you'd like to see what debates or discussions or what have you would be like, watch the Cain-Gingrich debate from the 2012 cycle in the C-SPAN archive.

Say whatever you like about the two debaters (and about Steve King, the moderator whose intro was twice as long as it was supposed to be), that was a useful format to learn about the candidates and their ideas about the topic.

Weed them out however you want, and then make them present their cases on specific topics in two or at most three man long form discussions.

Cain said 999 too damn many times, but the format forced him to talk beyond the stupid sound bite.

Posted by: revolting peasant at May 19, 2015 04:30 PM (ozdcJ)

357 Cage Match. Too many enter, one leaves

Posted by: Richard McEnroe at May 19, 2015 06:49 PM (XO6WW)

358 Please, please, PLEASE stop using the word scrum, when the word you want is either 'maul' (if the ball carrier is on his/her feet), or 'ruck' (if the ball carrier is down). Tens of thousands of rugby players (ruggers) thank you.

Posted by: Ian Restil at May 19, 2015 09:38 PM (cIiAK)

359 I blog quite often and I truly thank you for your content.
Your article has truly peaked my interest. I'm going to book mark your website and keep checking for new details about once per week.

I subscribed to your Feed too.

Posted by: Testo xtrm Supplement at May 20, 2015 06:43 PM (ujrUq)

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